Contemporary Bike Network Design Methodologies

In 2012 a new approach to designing bike networks was introduced with the publishing of <strong>Low Stress Bicycling And Network Connectivity</strong> and this methodology is now widely used by professional designers of urban and suburban bike networks in the United States and Europe.  It requires that individual bike network improvements are evaluated on the basis of the value they contribute to the entire bike network rather than in a piecemeal fashion. This in turn requires a comprehensive knowledge of where  bicyclists want to go (destinations); the routes they prefer to take (convenience, safety and comfort) and best alternatives;  bike riding conditions; and different bicyclist capabilities. Unfortunately, Menlo Park still relies primarily on an unsystematic, opinion-driven approach for evaluating the merits of individual projects and only a small number of residents actively participate in the planning process.

Urban Bikeway Design Guidelines 2017

(Source: NationaL Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

“The purpose of the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide (part of the Cities for Cycling initiative) is to provide cities with state-of-the-practice solutions that can help create complete streets that are safe and enjoyable for bicyclists.

The NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide is based on the experience of the best cycling cities in the world. The designs in this document were developed by cities for cities, since unique urban streets require innovative solutions. Most of these treatments are not directly referenced in the current version of the AASHTO Guide to Bikeway Facilities, although they are virtually all (with two exceptions) permitted under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The Federal Highway Administration has posted information regarding MUTCD approval status of all of the bicycle related treatments in this guide and in August 2013 issued a memorandum officially supporting use of the document. All of the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide treatments are in use internationally and in many cities around the US.”

State Of California Bike Transportation Guidance

(Source-Highway Design Manual – CHAPTER 1000 BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION DESIGN)

Menlo Park Bike Network Design Standards

The city has adopted the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guidelines and must comply with the State of California Highway Design Manual.